Page 100 of The Bonventi Secret
Gabriel gets up and comes to hug me tightly for longer than normal, but I don't mind.
"So yeah," I say, wiping away tears. "Let's go get married."
Two days later, the warm Sicilian sun bathes my skin as I stand at the entrance of the small church overlooking the sea. It's the very same church Enzo's grandparents were married in before heading to Chicago.
I take a deep breath, feeling the soft fabric of my wedding dress against my skin.
"Are you ready, Liv?" Gabriel's voice is gentle as he offers me his arm.
I nod, unable to speak for fear of crying out of pure joy. As we begin our walk down the aisle, I'm overwhelmed by the sight before me. The church is simple yet beautiful, its ancient stone walls adorned with delicate white flowers and ribbons. Sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the worn wooden pews.
And there, at the end of the aisle, stands Enzo. His eyes lock with mine, and the world falls away. He looks incredibly handsome in his tailored suit, but it's the emotion on his face that takes my breath away.
As we reach the altar, Gabriel places my hand in Enzo's.
"You look beautiful," Enzo whispers.
I squeeze his hand, "You, too."
The priest begins the ceremony, but I'm lost in the magnitude of this moment.
We exchange vows, simple and heartfelt. Enzo's voice trembles slightly as he promises to love and protect me, to be my partner in all things. When it's my turn, I have to pause, overcome by emotion.
"Enzo," I begin. "You came into my life unexpectedly, to say the least, and at first, I was scared. Then I was afraid of the intensity of what I felt for you, but you showed me a love I never thought possible. You've become my home, my safe harbor in the storm. I promise to stand by your side, to face whatever comes our way together. I love you, now and always."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest says. "You may kiss the bride."
Enzo cups my face in his hands, his touch gentle. When our lips meet, it's soft and sweet, a promise of forever. But then his arms wrap around me, pulling me closer, and the kiss deepens. I pour everything I feel for him into that kiss – my love, my passion, my absolute certainty that this is where I'm meant to be.
As we break from our kiss, I catch sight of the men stationed at the church doors, their subtle bulges beneath their jackets a reminder of who we are, what this world is. When I first arrived, such a sight would have terrified me. Now, it brings a strange comfort – these are our people, our protectors. I've learned that family isn't always what it seems on the surface, that loyalty andlove can exist even in the darkest places. The scared girl who was forced into this world is gone, replaced by a woman who has chosen this life, this man, this family – with all its complications and dangers.
Enzo must sense my thoughts because he squeezes my hand. I squeeze back, remembering how I once thought he was my jailer, and now he's my partner in every sense of the word.
We turn to face our guests, and I'm struck by the love surrounding us. Megan is wiping away tears, her hand clasped tightly in Marco's. Gabriel and Anna are beaming at us, their own love story just beginning. And Enzo's brothers, Gio and Marco, are grinning like proud parents. Then there's all the others from Enzo's side who are smiling and clapping.
As we make our way back down the aisle, rose petals raining down on us, I'm overwhelmed by a sense of belonging. This is my family now – complicated, dangerous, but fiercely loyal and loving.
Outside the church, Enzo turns to me. "Come on," he says, tugging me gently towards the waiting cars. "We have a reception to get to, and I, for one, can't wait to dance with my wife."
Wife.
The word sends a thrill through me. As we climb into the car, waving goodbye to our guests who will follow shortly, I can't help but reflect on the journey that brought us here. From a forced arrangement to a love deeper than I ever thought possible.
I am his, and he is mine.